The capacity of UDP-N-acetyl-alpha-D-glucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) as an in vitro acceptor substrate for beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase (beta4GalT1, EC 2.4.1.38) from human and bovine milk and for recombinant ... [more ▼]

The capacity of UDP-N-acetyl-alpha-D-glucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) as an in vitro acceptor substrate for beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase (beta4GalT1, EC 2.4.1.38) from human and bovine milk and for recombinant human beta4GalT1, expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was evaluated. It turned out that each of the enzymes is capable to transfer Gal from UDP-alpha-D-galactose (UDP-Gal) to UDP-GlcNAc, affording Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(alpha1-UDP (UDP-LacNAc). Using beta4GalT1 from human milk, a preparative enzymatic synthesis of UDP-LacNAc was carried out, and the product was characterized by fast-atom bombardment mass spectrometry and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Studies with all three beta4GalTs in the presence of alpha-lactalbumin showed that the UDP-LacNAc synthesis is inhibited and that UDP-alpha-D-glucose is not an acceptor substrate. This is the first reported synthesis of a nucleotide-activated disaccharide, employing a Leloir glycosyltransferase with a nucleotide-activated monosaccharide as acceptor substrate. Interestingly, in these studies beta4GalT1 accepts an alpha-glycosidated GlcNAc derivative. The results imply that beta4GalT1 may be responsible for the biosynthesis of UDP-LacNAc, previously isolated from human milk. [less ▲]

An unusual temperature and concentration behavior of the resistivity ρ(T,x) in La0.7Ca0.3Mn1-xCuxO3 is observed at slight Cu doping (0 ≤x≤ 0.05). Namely, the introduction of copper results in a splitting ... [more ▼]

The technique and the results of the external contention of the dilated ascending aorta by the application of an external Dacron graft are reported. This technique, without replacing the usual graft ... [more ▼]

The technique and the results of the external contention of the dilated ascending aorta by the application of an external Dacron graft are reported. This technique, without replacing the usual graft interposition, can efficiently and expeditiously treat borderline dilatation of the ascending aorta, as frequently encountered in aortic valve disease. If the sinotubular junction is not dilated, this technique may stop the aneurysmal evolution of the ascending aorta. [less ▲]

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, in an elderly population, whether poor oral status might be a contributing factor to the development of undernutrition and might be associated with less eating pleasure, more ... [more ▼]

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, in an elderly population, whether poor oral status might be a contributing factor to the development of undernutrition and might be associated with less eating pleasure, more subjective eating difficulty and increased mashed food consumption. METHODS: An oral examination and an evaluation of masticatory capacity were performed on 120 institutionalized elderly subjects. The nutritional assessment included serum albumin concentration, the Mini Nutritional Assessment and a questionnaire on eating habits. RESULTS: Edentulous subjects without dentures or with only one complete denture had significantly lower MNA scores than edentulous subjects with two complete dentures (p < 0.05). Edentulous subjects with two complete dentures more frequently reported taking pleasure from eating (p = 0.05), and had less frequent difficulties with hard foods (p = 0.01) than edentulous subjects without dentures or with only one complete denture. Mashed food consumption (p < 0.01) was also reported more frequently in edentulous subjects without dentures or with only one complete denture. Subjects with two complete dentures had similar or better MNA scores as dentate subjects with relatively few remaining teeth (10.4 +/- 7.8 teeth). About half of the subjects (53%) could not perform the masticatory test. These subjects had lower MNA scores (p = 0.001) and a larger proportion ate mashed food (p < 0.001) compared to those who were able to perform the test. CONCLUSIONS: Poor oral status (edentulous without dentures or with only one complete denture) increased difficulty in eating hard foods, increased mashed food consumption and decreased eating pleasure. It seemed also to put institutionalized subjects at higher risk of undernutrition. [less ▲]

We report the case of a 55 year old patient presenting a discrete obstructive sub-aortic membrane. After clinical examination, complete echocardiographic evaluation and cardiac catheterisation, an ... [more ▼]

We report the case of a 55 year old patient presenting a discrete obstructive sub-aortic membrane. After clinical examination, complete echocardiographic evaluation and cardiac catheterisation, an operative procedure was decided and the sub-aortic membrane was resected. The results were satisfactory but the literature reports risks of re-obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract. The article points out the importance of an early diagnosis and further stresses the major role played by transoesophageal echocardiography in the evaluation of the patient. [less ▲]

The paper uses agriculture and forestry statistics to determine major trends of both urbanized and non urbanized development in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It outlines the new morphological ... [more ▼]

The paper uses agriculture and forestry statistics to determine major trends of both urbanized and non urbanized development in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It outlines the new morphological urbanization. The urban areas has been confined since the indsutrial revolution to the south west of the country. However during the seventies development was structured by the transport corridors extending from the capital and mining areas. Two new urban regions began also to develop : the "dipole" Ettelbürck-Diekirch and the Moselle valley. Recent trends of urban development is in contrast to the earlier trends characterized by wide spreads morphological urbanization notably in the Oesling. [less ▲]